Monthly Archives: October 2011

The historic Roosevelt Hotel New York is famously named after President Theodore Roosevelt himself , but this property is also home to another historic political figure. The Roosevelt also played a part in one of the most famous presidential elections in history. Dewey v. Truman.

From 1943 to 1955 the hotel became New York City’s Governor Thomas E. Dewey’s business headquarters and residence. Dewey later ran and lost to President Harry Truman in 1948, receiving the news of his loss in Suite 1527 of the hotel, properly named the Governors Suite. This loss is said to be one of the greatest political upsets in American history.

This week, the hotel welcomes C-SPAN series, The Contenders. as they film a program dedicated to Governor Dewey right back in Suite 1527. Be sure to tune in on October 28th at 8:00pm ET.

Just in time for Halloween, we thought we would check into the legendary, hauntings of New York. Nothing says “spooky” quite like a good ghost sighting! Here are a few of NYC best known haunts. There’s nothing like a good ‘ol experience of getting spooked in NYC.

St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery131 E. 10th St., 212-674-6377, East Village, Manhattan
Peter Stuyvesant served as the last Director-General of New Amsterdam (the former name of New York City). Stuyvesant resided on a farm on what is now Stuyvesant Street, that connected it to a chapel (St. Mark’s Church) until his death in 1672. Stuyvesant was buried in a vault, which was permanently sealed in 1953 in the east wall of St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery. These days, church attendants have reported hearing the tapping of his wooden peg leg and he has been seen wandering the streets of the East Village. Some even claim he’s spending the afterlife in good company—with the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving and Harry Houdini, who also haunt this famous area of Manhattan.

Washington Square Park Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Many visitors of this well known park have reported experiences of supernatural forces. Rumor has it that if you walk by the park late at night, you’ll see ghosts hanging from trees, which would make sense if you know the parks history. Located on the Northwest corner of the park is Manhattans oldest tree which has been called the “The Hanging Tree” or the “Hanging Elm” for it’s rumored use as an execution site in early days. Between the executions and the victims from the yellow fever epidemics of the early 19th century, who were also buried in the park, there are an estimated 20,000 bodies under Washington Square.

Bridge Café 279 Water St., 212-227-3344, Financial District, Manhattan
Pirate ghosts? We got those too. Dating back to 1794, the Bridge Café has become the cities oldest bar. Located under the Brooklyn Bridge, it is said that the ghosts of pirates who regularly patronized this bar still haunt the bar to this day. Pop in for a pint and a good scare.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea 17 Barrow St., 212-255-8649, West Village, Manhattan
This restaurant was once the carriage house of Vice President Aaron Burr’s. He is famous for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel on July 11, 1804. Known experiences have been flying dishes, chairs being pulled out from people and 200 year old paintings falling off the walls.

Besides these famous places, there are also many celebrity ghosts around the city. Murdered at his home at the Dakota Building on 72nd Street, John Lennon has be rumored to haunt the structure, while at the Chelsea Hotel there have been sightings of poet Dylan Thomas and Sid Vicious’ girlfriend Nancy Spungel, where both met their demise. There’s also the rumor of writer Dorothy Parker taunting small children during her afterlife at the Algonquin Hotel where she dined daily with her literary counterparts and also where her ashes are buried.

It’s that time again! Holiday season is right around the corner so it’s time to start planning the festivities! How about an event at the historic Roosevelt Hotel? Or perhaps a rooftop party with a view? Yes, we have both. Check out this great offer for The Roosevelt Hotel New York and mad46 Rooftop Lounge. Naughty or Nice? Yeah, we’ve hosted both.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY BY NOV 1ST AND WE”LL THROW IN ANY TWO OF THE FOLLOWING OFFERS:

5% Off your final holiday party bill

Complimentary holiday cocktail served to all arriving guests

Complimentary ice carving with your company logo

BONUS GIFT

Book any holiday party with a minimum of $35,000 in F&B and we’ll leave an iPad2 in your stocking.

Valid through 12/29/11. Cannot be combined with other offers or on events already booked. Based on availability, certain restrictions apply.